Final answer:
Sexual dimorphism in nonhuman primates, such as the significant size difference between male and female gorillas, often correlates with social structures like male dominance and polygyny. Conversely, species with low dimorphism like gibbons may associate with monogamy and more egalitarian social systems. However, the relationship between dimorphism and social structures in primates is complex and not uniformly applicable across species.
Step-by-step explanation:
Relation Between Dimorphism and Social Organization in Nonhuman Primates
The concept of dimorphism and social organization in nonhuman primates is central to understanding their biology and behavior. One example of sexual dimorphism is seen in the gorillas where males are significantly larger than females. This size difference is associated with a social structure where a single male dominates and protects a group of females. The large size of the male gorilla is an adaption that allows him to effectively compete with other males for access to and maintenance of a harem.
However, the relationship between sexual dimorphism and social systems varies across primate species. For example, gibbons exhibit monogamous pair bonds and show very little sexual dimorphism. This suggests that in species where long-term pair bonding is prevalent, there is less need for physical differences to support social structures based on competition and dominance.
Ultimately, the degree of sexual dimorphism is intricately linked to the mating system and social structure of primates. While high levels of dimorphism are often associated with polygyny and male competition, lower levels of dimorphism might indicate monogamy or a more egalitarian social organization like in bonobos, where females measure up more closely to males and may even play a dominant role.
It is important to note that while there is a relationship between sexual dimorphism and social organization, it is not a straightforward correlation and various primate species demonstrate a complex relationship between these two factors, which is often described as a 'mosaic'. As such, caution must be exercised when drawing parallels between nonhuman primate and human social behavior.